Preclinical evidence for the role of stem/stromal cells in targeting ARDS

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a high-mortality syndrome that develops following an infection or trauma, leading to a dysregulated inflammatory response in the lung that can cause tissue remodeling, pulmonary dysfunction, and death [1]. ARDS is characterized by acute respiratory failure caused by an increase of fluids in the alveolar space. The breakdown of the immune response increases the permeability of the epithelial–endothelial barrier. This results in an increased filtration of protein-rich fluid from the vascular system into the alveolar spaces, with a subsequent lung edema and a decrease in the ability of gas exchange [2].